Jonathan E. Meer (Partner-New York, NY) and Angela M. Sekerka (Of Counsel-Chicago, IL) collaborated on “Navigating a Sea Change in Rent Algorithm Regulation,” which appeared in the December 12, 2025, posting of the Expert Analysis section on Law360. Jonathan and Angela examine the trend of new regulations limiting the use of algorithmic data and methodologies in setting housing rental prices. They discuss the recent proposed landmark settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and RealPage, a property management software company that the DOJ accused of antitrust violations – specifically, of facilitating pricing coordination through its algorithmic rent-setting tools, using nonpublic data from multiple landlords to recommend rental rates. Jonathan and Angela provide an overview of related state, local, and federal measures, including New York’s state law banning tools that aggregate cross-landlord data for pricing recommendations and the End Rent Fixing Act of 2025, currently being considered in the U.S. Congress, which would make it unlawful for landlords to use services that coordinate rental housing prices. 

“Government entities are hoping that this stricter data governance will promote a greater variety of pricing options for consumers,” Jonathan and Angela explain. They add: “Housing providers should be aware of the RealPage settlement, the New York law, specific city ordinances and the proposed federal legislation, and be ready to implement changes to their rental pricing policies and practices. Further, based on the DOJ/RealPage settlement and new laws in this area, housing providers should anticipate fair housing testing regarding rental pricing.”